Cruises are a beautiful contradiction. They’re both luxury and budget-friendly. Relaxed and jam-packed. An all-inclusive dream, until you’re paying $6 for a soda. So, where exactly should you spend your money, and where can you confidently cut corners?
That’s the million-dollar cruise question (spoiler: your cruise should not cost a million dollars).
With cruise lines offering more choices than ever—private islands, drink packages, suite-only lounges, silent discos, robotic bartenders—it’s easy to feel like you need a spreadsheet just to figure out how to cruise smart. But with a little strategy, and a clearer idea of where your dollars make the most impact, you can enjoy the experience you want without getting nickel-and-dimed at sea.
Booking Basics: Smart Moves Before You Ever Set Sail
Booking is where your cruise budget starts—and where some of the most strategic choices can either save or sink your overall spend. Timing, cabin choice, and booking extras all factor in.
Save: Book Your Cruise Early (or Very Late)
There’s a sweet spot for cruise pricing. Most travelers get the best deals by booking six to twelve months in advance, especially for popular routes like Alaska or Europe. Early booking also gives you better cabin options and perks like reduced deposits or onboard credit.
On the flip side, last-minute deals (within 60 days of sailing) can be stellar—if you’re flexible on cabin category and destination. Cruise lines would rather fill a ship than sail with empty rooms.
According to Cruise Critic, early bookings often come with better price protection and perks, while last-minute deals can save you up to 50%—but they rarely include extras.
Splurge: Choose the Right Cabin (Not Just the Cheapest)
This is not where you want to default to the cheapest option “just to save.” Your cabin is your home base. If motion sickness, noise, or claustrophobia are even faint concerns, consider upgrading.
Balcony cabins are often worth it for scenic routes (think: glaciers, fjords, or tropical islands). And if you’re doing a transatlantic or longer cruise, a little extra space can change everything.
Still, don’t feel pressure to book a suite unless you want all the perks—like private lounges, priority boarding, or butler service. They’re lovely, but not necessary for a great experience.
Pre-Cruise Add-Ons: What’s Worth It Before You Board
Once you’ve booked, cruise lines will tempt you with pre-paid packages: drink plans, excursions, spa appointments, internet, dining reservations. Some are better to lock in ahead of time—others, not so much.
Save: Airport Transfers Through the Cruise Line (Usually)
Unless your cruise port is hard to reach or your flight times are tight, you’ll usually save money—and stress—by arranging your own airport transfer. Uber, Lyft, or local shuttle services are often cheaper than the cruise line’s bus.
However, if you're traveling internationally or arriving very close to departure time, the cruise line transfer may be worth it for the peace of mind alone (they won’t leave you behind if their bus is delayed).
Splurge: Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage
This is one expense that’s easy to overlook—until you need it. If you're sailing internationally or have any health concerns, insurance with medical evacuation and trip cancellation coverage is absolutely worth the investment.
Cruise ships are medically equipped, but if you need serious treatment, you'll be evacuated. And that’s not something you want to self-fund.
According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, the average emergency medical evacuation cost from a cruise ship is $50,000–$100,000, depending on location.
Onboard Essentials: When to Open Your Wallet (and When to Close It)
Once you're on board, it’s easy to get swept up in the spending—spa deals, specialty restaurants, art auctions, and Wi-Fi packages are everywhere. Let’s zoom in on what’s worth the swipe.
Save: Skip the Soda Package (Unless You’re Truly Addicted)
Drink packages sound like a good deal, until you realize how much soda, bottled water, or cocktails you actually drink. Soda packages, in particular, rarely pay off unless you're drinking 4+ a day.
Most cruise lines offer free tea, coffee, and basic juices. If you're picky, consider bringing your own flavored water enhancers or reusable bottle. A hydration win and a budget win.
Splurge: Specialty Dining—Selectively
While main dining rooms and buffets are included and often excellent, a well-reviewed specialty restaurant can be totally worth the extra $30–$50 for a one-time experience. Think: steakhouse, sushi, or chef’s table.
Pick one night mid-cruise to change it up. Just don’t feel pressured to try every restaurant onboard—you’re not missing out if you skip the upcharge pasta.
Save: Onboard Shopping and Art Auctions
Cruise ship shops can be fun to browse, but rarely offer true bargains. Prices are often inflated, and return policies are limited. The exception? Duty-free alcohol or perfume—if you know your prices ahead of time.
Art auctions in particular are a high-pressure upsell. Enjoy the free champagne, admire the paintings, and exit gracefully.
Excursions: DIY or Guided? Here’s How to Decide
Port days are often the highlight of the cruise, and you’ll be bombarded with tour options. From ziplining to historical tours, the choices (and prices) are endless.
Save: DIY in Walkable Ports or With Local Tours
For cities like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, or Nassau, you can easily explore on your own with a map or app. Local tour operators near the dock often offer the same excursions as the cruise line—for 20–40% less.
Do a little research beforehand, read reviews, and stay mindful of the time. You’ll need to return to the ship on time—or risk becoming that cautionary tale the cruise director warns about.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nearly 50% of cruise passengers now book independent shore excursions rather than those through the cruise line.
Splurge: Excursions in Remote or Risky Ports
When visiting areas that are logistically complex or safety-sensitive—like tender-only ports, glacier hikes, or guided safaris—book through the cruise line or a reputable operator with strong reviews.
These tours often include transportation guarantees, and the ship will wait if the group is delayed.
Also worth the splurge? Small group or private tours if you’re traveling with family and want a more curated experience.
Wi-Fi, Photos, and Entertainment: What to Know Before You Click ‘Buy’
These are the sneaky extras that can add up fast—especially when they sound like small daily fees.
Save: Cruise Photography Packages
Those professional photos they take at embarkation, dinner, and ports? They’re lovely, yes—but very few people buy all the prints or use the packages enough to make it worthwhile. Take a few fun shots, but set boundaries with your budget and memory card.
Splurge: Internet Access—If You Need It
Let’s be real: cruise Wi-Fi isn’t cheap, and it’s not always fast. But if you’re working remotely, have family to check in with, or just don’t want to go fully off-grid, go ahead and budget for the premium plan.
For everyone else? Consider a digital detox. You may find the break refreshing.
Tipping, Gratuities, and Hidden Costs
Most major cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account—usually around $16–$20 per person per day. These cover housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew behind the scenes.
You can adjust them, but unless service is truly poor, many travelers choose to leave them as-is or add cash tips for standout staff.
Also watch out for:
- Service charges on drinks (often 18–20% added automatically)
- Room service fees (some lines charge per order)
- Spa service charges that aren’t listed up front
Read the fine print before you’re surprised by a bigger bill than expected.
The Answer Corner
Q: Is it worth upgrading to a suite? It depends. Suites often come with priority perks and more space—but unless you’ll use the extra services, a balcony cabin may offer a better balance of comfort and cost.
Q: Are repositioning cruises cheaper? Yes—and they often offer amazing value. These one-way sailings help ships move between seasons (e.g., Europe to the Caribbean) and can cost less per day than typical routes.
Q: Can I bring my own wine or drinks? Many lines allow one bottle of wine per adult, but not liquor or soda. Always check the cruise line’s alcohol policy before packing.
Q: Is travel insurance worth it for cruises? Yes—especially if you're cruising internationally or during hurricane season. Medical evacuation from a ship is costly. Insurance may be a smart, small splurge.
Q: When’s the best time to book a cruise? Wave Season (January–March) offers deals and perks. But also look for flash sales around Black Friday or Labor Day. The sweet spot? 6–9 months out.
Sail Smart, Spend Smart
Cruising doesn’t have to mean spending wildly—or cutting corners to save a few dollars. The best approach is knowing where to save without losing out, and where to splurge to make the experience feel magical.
Your time matters. So does your money. By planning intentionally, you can create a cruise that’s equal parts value and joy.
So go ahead—book the spa pass, skip the drink package, and say yes to the balcony room if it’ll make you want to have coffee on the deck every morning. Your cruise, your rules.
Bon voyage—and may your only surprise be how much fun you had.
